My Honest Italki Review 2024: Is it Really An Effective Way To Learn Languages?
This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.
You want to learn a new language? Well, the website italki makes it exciting and easy! In this review, we’ll look at italki and if it could work for you.
Summary and Overall Rating
| Category | italki |
|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 |
| Number of Languages | Over 150 languages |
| Pricing | Starts as low as $5 |
In summary, italki is a great option for learning a new language in a fun, flexible way. You get personalized attention from teachers.
Plus, there’s plenty of opportunity to practice speaking.
Teaching styles can vary quite a bit, but overall italki offers tons of language choices at pretty affordable rates.
The community features also help keep you engaged and motivated in your learning – which is so important!
I’d give italki 4.3 out of 5 stars for providing live, customized language instruction that can work with different budgets and schedules.
The Good and Bad of italki
Pros:
- Huge variety of teachers and languages
- Flexible personal lessons anytime
- Learning tailored to your goals
- Usually cheaper than classes
- Sign language classes are available
- Transparent fees
Cons:
- Teaching styles vary a lot
- Some teachers may not be as good
- Teachers may sometimes cancel
Many people have learned languages well with italki. It is unique, but there are other good options too. These include:
- Online courses with interactive lesson
- Language learning apps with audio
- In-person group classes
These can help build basics. But may not have the personal touch italki has.
Other language learning apps:
What is italki?
italki is a platform that connects language learners like you and me with native-speaking teachers. Some important things about italki:
- italki started in 2006. Now it has a big group of people who love languages.
- Lesson prices start from as low as $5.
- On italki, you can take private video lessons. You can also join group classes and practice languages.
- Teachers are available for over 150 languages. Popular ones include English, Spanish, French. Less common ones too. You can even learn sign language.
- There are two types of teachers. Professional teachers are trained. Community teachers are native speakers.
- You can schedule lessons on italki’s calendar. Lessons happen on video chat.
- You pay for lessons first by buying “lesson credits.” Teachers set their own hourly prices.
- italki also has things like language tests, challenges and podcasts. These help you learn and practice languages.
- With italki you pay as you go, not for whole courses. Prices depend on each teacher.
In summary, italki connects people wanting language lessons with teachers. You can take one-on-one or group video lessons to learn languages.
Who can use italki?
Anyone who genuinely wants to learn a new language could benefit from italki.
Age doesn’t matter. You can be a total beginner or more knowledgeable.
People use italki to learn common languages like English, Spanish and Chinese, but some even offer less widely-spoken languages too.
How does italki work?
Types of Teachers
On italki, you learn from two kinds of teachers:
- Professional teachers – They have special training and experience in teaching languages.
- Community tutors – They are native speakers who share their language and culture through talks and lessons.
One-on-One Video Lessons
The main thing italki has is personal video lessons. You can look at many teacher profiles to find one you like.
You can see if they fit your schedule and budget.
These private lessons let the teacher focus fully on you. They can plan the lessons just for your needs.
Pricing
italki uses a pay-as-you-go system. You buy lesson credits in different amounts. Lesson prices differ based on the teacher type.
Using italki
Signing Up
Getting started on italki is simple. You make an account and set up your profile. You can inform teachers about your goals, skill level, and how you like to learn.
Here’s some of what you can set up during the sign-up process:
- The language you want to learn
- Your native language
- Your time zone
- Whether you want a paid teacher or a language exchange partner.
Finding a Teacher
Next, you can browse italki’s list of teachers.
Their profiles tell you things like:
- Their qualifications
- Teaching style
- Language skills
- How much they charge per hour
You can search for the perfect teacher for your needs.
Scheduling and Taking Lessons
Once you pick a teacher, you can take these lessons:
- Lessons you schedule on italki’s calendar.
- Instant tutoring sessions that you don’t have to pre-schedule. This is very handy.
Lessons happen over video chat. So you can take them from home or anywhere with WiFi.
Paying for Lessons
On italki, you pay ahead of time for lesson credits. Then you use those credits to book lessons with teachers.
Teachers set their own prices. Professional teachers often cost more than community tutors.
Choosing a Good Teacher
Picking the right teacher matters for learning well. Look for ones with strong qualifications, experience, and language skills.
Reading reviews from actual students to get insight into their teaching style is helpful too.
And of course, make sure their availability lines up reasonably well with when you can take lessons.
Other Features of italki
Group Classes
italki also has group classes with professional teachers. These are good if you want a regular classroom setting. Or to practice with other students.
Language Challenges
italki has challenges that motivate you to practice more. You set a goal, like doing a certain number of lessons. This helps create a fun, competitive community.
Language Quizzes
To know exactly where you are at, you can take italki’s tests. Experts designed these to determine if you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced speaker.
Community Activities And Forums
italki lets teachers and learners make interactive exercises to share. These could be vocabulary games, writing prompts, and more.
Podcasts
italki has podcasts where you can listen to language experts and polyglots share tips. Polyglots are people who know many languages.
Learning English with italki
Learning English is one of the most popular goals on italki. There are many qualified teachers who make lessons interactive and practical.
Beginners can work on pronunciation and basic conversation. More advanced students may focus on business English, idioms, slang or accents.
Italki helps boost confidence through speaking practice in a low-pressure way. Students also chat with native English speakers from various countries.
Tips for Success
To make the most of italki, be prepared for lessons and interactive activities. Review previous material and come with questions.
Stick to a regular study schedule even if it’s just 15 minutes daily. Stay engaged in language challenges and community forums.
Consider mixing both individual and group lessons for a change of pace.
And set specific language goals to stay motivated throughout your italki journey.
My Experience with italki
I actually tried out italki myself to get firsthand experience with the platform as a beginner learner. My teacher was really great about breaking down vocabulary and grammar concepts in our interactive video lessons.
We also just had fun chats about music, travel, food and other cultural topics. While I definitely have a long way to go, I’ve already noticed big improvements in my listening skills and confidence having conversations thanks to the consistent practice with my awesome teacher.
The lessons have been easy to fit into my schedule too. Overall I’d absolutely recommend italki to anyone serious about taking their language abilities up a notch through personalized coaching.
Wrapping it up
Give italki a try. It’s a fun, interactive way to learn languages!
